84-year-old Louise Hish of Dale, died at 3:46 a.m. Monday, January 14 at her residence. She was born on January 3, 1935 in Dale to Claude Harrawood and Dollie Paralee (Hutcheson) Harrawood. She married John Lewis Hish on March 18, 1955 in Mt. Vernon, Illlinois. He preceded her in death on August 19, 2011. They had been married for 56 years. Louise was a Program Assistant employed by the U.S. Government, and was a lifelong member of the Dale Christian Church teaching Sunday School for approximately 60 years and played piano for both morning and evening services for many years. She sang with The Sunshine Quartet traveling gospel group, going locally to sing.
Louise attended Harrawood One Room School until 8th grade and McLeansboro Township High School, graduating in 1951. She worked for ASCS office for USD Federal Government for 41 years and retired October 1994. She was a member of the Jolly Girls 4-H group in the late 1940’s; was a leader over 25 years for Funny Farmers; named to 4-H National Hall of Fame in 2009; Founding charter member of Dale Ruritan Club until they dispersed. In 2012, she received the Hometown Hero Award for her outstanding service to her community. She was a member of Modern Woodmen of America. In 1988, she was named Ruritan of the Year. In 1990, she was given Outstanding Secretary Award for Ruritan District 33. She was a member of the Hamilton County Home Extension Association. After retiring from ASCS Office, she worked part-time as secretary of Hamilton County Extension. She taught Thursday School at McLeansboro Church of Christ and was there for 17 years. In the 1940’s, she performed on The Ozark Mountain Hay Ride on WEBQ with her husband and brother and on WROY Sunday mornings before church.
Survivors include a daughter: Julie (Michael) Brown of Dale; a brother: Caroll Gene (Sherry) Harrawood of Shiloh, Illinois; two granddaughters: Bryanna & Kaitlyn Martin; three step grandchildren: Jaradon, Peyten & Christa Brown; one great-grandchild: Ryleigh Hunt, along with several great and great-great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, John.
Funeral services for Louise Hish will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, January 18 at the Harre Funeral Home in McLeansboro, with burial to follow at Digby Cemetery in Dale with Pastor Carl Wilson officiating. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, January 17 at the Harre Funeral Home in McLeansboro.
Memorials can be made to Dale Christian Church or Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at Harre Funeral Home.
The Harre Funeral Home in McLeansboro is in charge of services.